Twins report: Scott Baker will open season on disabled list

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Scott Baker felt good about a four-inning start against Boston minor leaguers on Saturday, March 31, calling it a "step in the right direction." Still, the Twins placed him on the 15-day disabled list immediately afterward.

The move set up Minnesota's starting rotation for the first week of the season. Carl Pavano will start the season opener Friday at Baltimore, followed by Francisco Liriano and rookie Liam Hendriks, who earned the spot with a stellar spring, going 3-0 with a 1.80 earned-run average in seven appearances, three of them starts.

Nick Blackburn will start the April 9 home opener against the Los Angeles Angels. Because that game is followed by a day off, Pavano should be able to start the second game of that series.

Anthony Swarzak, who threw six solid innings in a 15-3 victory over Pittsburgh on Saturday at Hammond Stadium, will be the long man in the bullpen. Against a Pirates split squad, Swarzak gave up one earned run on six hits, struck out six and walked none.

"He's so valuable because he can come out of that pen and really save the rest of your bullpen, and he can stretch out and start," Gardenhire said of Swarzak. "And as you saw today, he's got really good stuff."

Baker already had been scratched from the home opener because of an elbow strain. In a Class AAA game at Boston's JetBlue Park, he threw 60 pitches over four innings, allowing four hits, including a home run by Will Middlebrooks, and fanning two.

"I'm one day at a time.

Advertisement

I've got to see how I feel tomorrow, if I feel good," Baker said. "It's a progression....We're not going to even talk about a potential start or game with the team until I say that I'm major league-game ready and I'm comfortable with rejoining the team."

The Twins hope Baker will be able to start the home opener for the Class A Fort Myers Miracle on Thursday and throw 75 pitches.

"It's the perfect scenario, if he's ready to pitch in a game," Gardenhire said. "He can start his rehab assignment and get 30 days (started); that would be his perfect scenario for us. If we have to alter it, we alter it. But that way he's facing live competition, a real game, which is what he needs to get into now."

Hendriks' fate in own hands

Though the Twins see Hendriks strictly as a starter, that doesn't mean he's simply a place-setter for Baker or Jason Marquis, who likely will miss the first turn in the rotation, as well.

If Hendriks breaks camp with the Twins, and it appears he will, he'll have a chance to stay.

"Once you give that guy the ball, and they keep getting people out, you keep giving him the ball," Ryan said. "He may throw so good that you don't have to worry about it."

Parmelee earns roster spot

Chris Parmelee has done enough to prove he's a major leaguer, regardless of whether Justin Morneau plays first base or is the designated hitter.

"I like Mr. Parmelee," Gardenhire said. "I think he's swinging really good. I think I can play him at first base or outfield. I like the way he goes about it. I think he makes our lineup very deep if he's batting eighth."

Batting eighth Saturday, Parmelee went 1 for 4 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored as the Twins put up 20 hits against the Pirates. He's batting .288 this spring with four home runs and 11 RBIs. His on-base percentage is .382.

"I think it's safe to say there's a high probability that Mr. Parmelee will be on my roster," Gardenhire said.

Briefly

Infielder Alexi Casilla was held from the lineup because of an inflamed bursa sac behind his right knee, but the Twins aren't overly concerned. "I'm ready," Casilla said after going through a full pregame regimen. ... Right-hander Kyle Waldrop (elbow strain) was placed on the 15-day disabled list and will be sent to Minnesota for treatment, Ryan said. ... Caleb Thielbar, a South Dakota State graduate who pitched for the St. Paul Saints last season, pitched the ninth inning Saturday, giving up two hits and an earned run. He will start the season with Class A Fort Myers.